When does the seven-year tribulation begin?

The seven-year tribulation begins at the signing of the seven-year treaty between the Antichrist and the nation of Israel. That signing raises the curtain on the prophetic period, then starting the seven-year tribulation, which is God dealing prophetically with Israel.

Les explains that all prophecy is directed to the nation of Israel, and since God is not yet dealing with the nation, prophecy per se is not being fulfilled today. Instead, the stage is being set—the props are being put in place and the players are getting ready. The curtain will rise at the signing of that seven-year treaty by the Antichrist and the nation of Israel. Then will begin the seven-year period of tribulation, which is again God dealing prophetically with the nation of Israel. So the tribulation is yet future; the fulfillment of prophecy is yet future.

What happens when the seven-year tribulation begins?

When the seven-year tribulation begins, it initiates a seven-year period of God dealing primarily with the Jew according to His righteousness. By its end, the unbelieving element will have suffered His wrath and judgment, while the believing remnant will enter the glory of His rule and reign when He sets up His Kingdom.